A Conversation with Richard Russo -- in audio

If I could only have one guest on The Book Studio every week, it would be Richard Russo. Not just because he's one of the masters of contemporary American literature; not just because he's funny and affable; not just because he's smart and well read -- but because he champions other writers. If we ever ran out of things to talk about in Russo's life and oeuvre (doubtful), we could simply turn the conversation to the work of new, unpublished, and promising fiction writers. 

For example: Two years ago when I first interviewed Russo, he urged me to keep my eye out for a new novel from a student of his -- David Wroblewski. Of course, "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" is now being touted by Oprah as a book she "made." I believe that Russo's encouragement of Wroblewski probably has more to do with that book getting to publication than anything else -- and I also believe that Wroblewski's novel is enough of an achievement to have "made it" without Herself's recommendation.

But I digress...

What I mean to say is that Richard Russo does not see the path of literature as one that he alone travels. As a teacher, as a mentor, as a colleague, and even as an interview subject, he reminds us all that it takes a village to live by fiction. Please listen to this interview, even though it means you'll have to endure a lot of laughing from both Richard Russo and me, because Russo really talks through his process of taking "That Old Cape Magic" from its genesis as a short story through to its published form. I can't imagine anyone I'd rather hear discuss the development process.